I do the dishes, feed the cats, put the house in order for the morning.

I wash my face and hands, put on a robe. I don't need any props, but this is a ritual after all, and ritual items help to make this time separate and special.

I go outside if the weather is warm, if not the kitchen table will do.

I clear my thoughts.

I light candles.

I give thanks.
For life, for all the beauty that is around me.
For this beautiful evening.
For things I have learned.

I feel the world around me.

I face the South and  give thanks to  that which is female and brought me into the world, that which nourishes and gives unconditional  love. I remember the gentleness and beauty and vulnerability of women I have known. I wish that I may receive the blessing of better understanding women, to help me to temper that which is male in me. I give thanks for the love I have experienced and wish I may find  love again.

I face North and think of the male force and the differences between male and female, how my ways are more direct, my love of tools. A mixed blessing, like that of the female. Perhaps less vulnerable in some ways, but more apt to do harm. I give thanks to that which is male,  which protects and guards and and builds and strives for the simplicity and efficiency that makes the hunt successful. I wish I may use this force in me  in good and appropriate ways and that I may understand it better

I face east.
I give thanks to that which has always been with me and watched over me and protected me, that I may live and experience this wonderful life.

I face west.
I give thanks to my friends, those who care for me and give me their companionship  and council and I wish that I may be a good friend to them.  I give a toast to absent friends, those I loved that are now who knows where and wish, if it harm none, we may meet again. I toast those who have passed to whatever may lie beyond death.

I sit and think on all these things and order my thoughts. I think of what I have done and mistakes I have made and things I have done well.

I think of things I wish to do and what is worth doing  in the the time I have left in my life . I balance what I wish to do against what must be done. I rearrange my goals.

I give thanks.

I rise, put out the candles.

Fatcat